Fettercairn 14 Years Old 2009 Cask #800320 (Whiskybroker.co.uk)

A Fettercairn of a 14 year old chosen by the bottler Whiskybroker, distilled in 2009, from cask 800320, bottled at 52%, one of 303 bottles. Fettercairn is a Highland single malt shaped by the unique cooling rings on its stills. It was founded in 1824 by Sir Alexander Ramsay, who turned a corn mill at Nethermill into a distillery.

It was distilled from unpeated malt in stills cooled by their copper rings, for the tropical, fruity make Fettercairn is known for. A bourbon barrel held it, the wood adding a light vanilla to the fruit. By the integrating teens congeners fade and esters build, the tropical, fruity spirit growing rounder. A gentle maturation suits the light make, the tropical fruit growing richer with time. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the light Highland spirit. Its stills carry unique cooling rings, copper tubes that drench them in cold mountain water.

At a hearty 52% it carries real weight. Pineapple, pear and a creamy vanilla, with a soft vanilla from the oak. Mango, citrus and a creamy vanilla fill the middle. The close is light and warming, fruit over a gentle oak. This is a Highland single malt of real character.